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A review by kimdavishb
An Eggnog to Die for by Amy Pershing
5.0
AN EGGNOG TO DIE FOR is the second book in the Cape Cod Foodie Mystery series by Amy Pershing. This delightful holiday read starts out with an entertaining quote from Clark Griswold (of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation fame) and sets the stage for plenty of humor and memorable characters on the pages. Protagonist Samantha Barnes (aka Sam) is a foodie, writing restaurant reviews and making videos for the local Cape Cod Clarion. Sam is a quirky character but I quickly became enamored with her witty one-liner zingers and her self-deprecating humor. She doesn’t take herself entirely seriously. Surrounding Sam is an equally endearing set of supporting characters—human (friends & family), animal (her overly large dog named Diogi), machine (her ancient and cranky pickup truck, Grumpy), and setting (Cape Cod). All are well-developed and unique in their own ways. The author’s descriptive voice shines so the reader feels like they really get to know each aspect. And I just love that Sam’s parents are included in this newest release, having decided that it wouldn’t feel like Christmas celebrating in tropical Florida. They add another dimension of character development in the reader getting to know Sam along with them being a great support system for her.
While murder is never funny, Ms. Pershing sets the stage with humor and you can only shake your head and think “it could only happen to Sam.” With a curmudgeonly Santa dead and Sam “starring” in another embarrassing viral video, the mystery of whodunit pulls Sam into the investigation. Well-plotted and with a quick pace that begs the reader to keep turning pages, there were suspects galore. Even Sam’s mother gets the investigation bug and with her background as a reporter, she’s ready to steamroll everyone around her in her quest to assist her daughter. Sam most certainly has her hands full keeping her mother out of trouble, finding the grinch who did Santa in, all the while preparing to host her Christmas Eve dinner of the Feast of Five Fishes for all her friends and family. With so much going on, Ms. Pershing does an admirable job of juggling the characters, the action, and the murder investigation and kept me glued to the pages until I’d read the very last word. This series is quickly becoming one of my top favorites and I can’t wait to find out what’s next in store for Sam!
As you read through An Eggnog to Die For, be prepared to be hungry during the entire book! Not only are there mouthwatering dishes mentioned and described, there are numerous tips on preparing the ingredients and dishes, that, as a foodie myself, I found intriguing.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While murder is never funny, Ms. Pershing sets the stage with humor and you can only shake your head and think “it could only happen to Sam.” With a curmudgeonly Santa dead and Sam “starring” in another embarrassing viral video, the mystery of whodunit pulls Sam into the investigation. Well-plotted and with a quick pace that begs the reader to keep turning pages, there were suspects galore. Even Sam’s mother gets the investigation bug and with her background as a reporter, she’s ready to steamroll everyone around her in her quest to assist her daughter. Sam most certainly has her hands full keeping her mother out of trouble, finding the grinch who did Santa in, all the while preparing to host her Christmas Eve dinner of the Feast of Five Fishes for all her friends and family. With so much going on, Ms. Pershing does an admirable job of juggling the characters, the action, and the murder investigation and kept me glued to the pages until I’d read the very last word. This series is quickly becoming one of my top favorites and I can’t wait to find out what’s next in store for Sam!
As you read through An Eggnog to Die For, be prepared to be hungry during the entire book! Not only are there mouthwatering dishes mentioned and described, there are numerous tips on preparing the ingredients and dishes, that, as a foodie myself, I found intriguing.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.